Blog Posts by Courtney McBath

 Our Leadership Coaching Day was an amazing success, and people who missed it are already asking how they can get the recorded sessions! I am excited because I watched nearly 100 women and men powerfully jumpstart their 2022. 

We walked through the idea that many times we fail to succeed because we failed to plan in a detailed way. Together we worked on our goals and objectives, mapped out strategic steps, and assigned dates and names to every step! Whew! 

Because the TIME IS NOW if you want to make next year different. 

So what will you do to make the year different so you can make a difference?

• Write down what you want to accomplish.
• Use your list to stay on track and avoid distractions.
• Ask someone to hold you accountable and evaluate you based on the plan you have developed. 

If you started Friday, then keep it going. If you haven’t started, Well... There is no better time to get started than right now!

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Sometimes I wonder if I’ve learned more from making the right decisions or from making wrong ones! I’m certainly not a proponent of making mistakes just to have experience, but I can’t argue with the results that have come from my “maturity by mistake” moments. 

For instance, I try to eat right most of the time, but several times a year, I “fall off the wagon.” I really blow it. That usually makes me do three things. Exercise more. Stop eating. Feel guilty. Here’s what I learned. 

Exercise more- My trainer often says, “You can’t outwork a bad diet.” So I learned something about inputs. No matter how hard I work as a leader, I can only rise as high as the information and instruction I take in! Check your leadership diet!

Stop eating - In the natural, this can slow your metabolism and potentially make you gain more weight. Take in more leadership material and instruction after you blow it. Like nutrition,...

Dear Leader,

This June, we shared tips for walking the path of leadership, beginning from understanding that you were born to be a transformational leader for a time like this. You were born to be a light and strength in dark places where so many feel weak. You were born into the world now instead of any other time because you have been wired, designed, and equipped to prosper in the current environment.

It all begins with knowing you were born for this, but to navigate the journey and grow in leadership we must be lifelong learners. Consistent preparation is a core attribute of effective leadership. There will be seasons where we find ourselves doubting our abilities, especially after a failure. When this happens and you begin to question your role as a leader, draw strength by reminding yourself that you were created with a purpose. There will be setbacks and even more challenges, but you will survive and ultimately thrive.

Draw strength from your relationships with other leaders...

Dear Leader,

I do not believe in coincidences because everything has a purpose, a reason. The fact that you are alive especially at a time like this is not a mistake. You have a purpose and a special gift tailored for this time.

As leaders, every day brings new challenges and decisions that require us to move out of our comfort zones. Now, more than ever, we are being tested by unique hurdles, like global pandemics and social unrest. It is easy to begin to doubt our leadership when there are so many unprecedented challenges. However, I want to remind you that you were placed in the midst of a crisis because you have the ability and skills to lead. In fact, sometimes, a crisis is essential to your growth as a leader and can teach us to trust our gifting.

Knowing that you are born for a time like this is also keeping the faith even when things do not go as planned. Let every setback strengthen your resolve to win and help others win alongside you. Lean on the relationships that you...

Dear Leader,

As you continue to walk this leadership path, it’s essential to remember that you were designed for this role. Many of us know the feeling of going through seasons where we lack confidence and question our gifts, abilities, and callings. This lack of confidence can often come as a result of comparing ourselves with others.

It can be easy to lose sight of how far we have grown, especially in the age of social media, where we are hounded every day with pictures, quotes, and posts, which give us the illusion that everyone else has it all figured out except us. As someone with over 40 years of leadership experience, I can tell you that reality is much different than what people on social media allow you to see.

When you go through moments of disappointment and begin to question your role as a leader, draw strength by reminding yourself that God created you with a purpose. Avoid unhealthy thinking and know that you are essential for someone’s growth and...

Dear Leader,

Consistent preparation is a core part of leadership. And though we are all called to lead, it is preparation that helps us navigate through the challenges of leadership. Overcoming these challenges is not a coincidence. Instead, it is the result of hard work and requires discipline and preparation.

Whether reading books, attending seminars, or learning from and with other leaders, preparation demands personal accountability. Taking time to prepare yourself for the task ahead is essential to your personal growth and the development of those you lead. If you fail in your ability to prepare, the vision suffers.

Nonetheless, as you learn and prepare to be a better leader, you also must be confident in your preparation. Sometimes we may find ourselves in moments where we doubt our abilities, especially after a failure. However, we must understand that preparation does not exclude us from failure. It does, however, reduce its chances. And with the proper perspective, you will...

Dear Leader,

What an amazing time to be alive!!! I know we have had our share of pain, losses, and struggle over the last eighteen months, and I will readily acknowledge the horrific costs many have paid around the world. For the transformational leader, there is an opportunity to be a light and strength in dark places where so many feel weak. This is a moment in history that you were born for!

You were born into the world now instead of at any other time. Not during the Dark Ages or the Renaissance but now. You were placed on the planet now. We have been wired, designed, and equipped to prosper in the current environment. Why? Because people need what you carry in your heart and mind.

People are in search of your transformative leadership and their future depends on your courage to lead and lead now. Some call it fate, others call it fortune but I call it the sovereign plan of an amazing God… the opportunity to be the answer to someone’s question!

It really...

Dear Leader,

The opportunity to coach and encourage the leaders who come behind us requires us to communicate openly and effectively. Effective communication includes the ability to listen to the thoughts and ideas of others without becoming defensive. While language barriers and cultural differences can make communication a challenge, having the heart to add value to emerging and potential leaders can supersede all barriers. One of the most powerful steps we can take as leaders is to commit to developing a leadership culture where new leaders feel accepted and valued. David Osborne, who serves as a campus pastor with his wife Lydia, once shared this observation about his mentoring relationship with me. He quipped, “I know that some of my ideas were absolutely crazy and impractical, but Bishop always listened to me like I knew what I was talking about!” We had a great laugh over that, but I was intentional about listening to David’s ideas and I learned from them....

Dear Leader,

Encouraging potential and emerging leaders is a subject I am passionate about because I have found that great value can be added to new leaders through friendship with experienced leaders. This can be challenging because it requires vulnerability from the experienced leader and the emerging leader.

Emerging leaders may find themselves struggling to understand purpose and direction, a sign that we need more leaders who are willing to coach others. Surveys across a range of Fortune 500 companies state that up to 71% of young leaders joining the workforce today feel they are not fully engaged at their workplace.

It is alarming to think that many potential leaders do not feel they are valued. This is a cry for more effective coaching for the coming generations.

Pouring into leaders is a long-term commitment to adding value to women and men who will make their communities and their world a better place. You can do this by giving advice on navigating tough life decisions,...

As a leader, it is imperative you start out with simple instructions! Outline expectations effectively and give feedback when you can—don’t overcomplicate things for your staff. Starting off with this one simple step can increase the effectiveness of both you and those you lead!

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